Utica
High School senior Sophia Meguid has been named among 620 semifinalists in the
2022 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program.
Meguid
was selected from more than 5,000 scholar candidates that were announced in January.
Inclusion
in the U.S. Presidential Scholars program, now in its 58th year, is
one of the highest honors bestowed upon high school seniors.
Scholars
are selected based their accomplishments in many areas – academic and artistic
success, accomplishment in career and technical fields, leadership, strong
character and involvement in school and the community.
The
U.S. Presidential Scholars program was established by Executive Order of the
President to recognize some of the nation’s most distinguished seniors for the
accomplishments in academics, leadership and service to school and community.
Meguid has long been
active in both leadership and service, dating back to her work as a student
council leader at Monfort Elementary, officer positions in National Junior
Honor Society and Student Council at Shelby Junior High School, and as a
founding member of a Student Mental Health Committee at Utica High
School.
She is currently a
valedictorian at Utica High School where – in addition to her work advocating
for mental health resources for students – she is a member of the school Key
Club, the National Hispanic Honor Society, the National Honor Society, is a
Senior-Sophomore Partnership (SSP) mentor and serves as captain of the varsity
dance team.
After graduation, she
plans to pursue a career as a neurosurgeon or in a law-related field where she
can continue her commitment to service and helping others at a university not
yet decided.
Meguid
and other semifinalists were selected by a review panel of educators across the
nation. The Community on Presidential Scholars, a group of up to 32 eminent
citizens appointed by the President, will select the finalists and the U.S.
Department of Education will announce the Scholars in May.
The
Presidential Scholars Class of 2022 will honored in late June with an online
National Recognition Program.